During the pandemic I connected with a few other local writers for a virtual authors event. As a bit of a followup, we are happy to invite our friends and followers to visit with us, check out our books, and learn about what's coming next at the July 28 Wednesday Market in Historic Willamette. I … Continue reading Finding community in writing
Memories
The anniversary emotional rollercoaster
So many different anniversaries we note in these human lives we lead. We anticipate them, celebrate some and mourn others. We memorialize significant historical and celebratory events, the bad and good: D.Day, 9/11, the first pandemic lock down, the 1977 Blazer NBA win, February 14, 1859 Statehood. Some anniversaries remind us of accomplishments: we reminisce … Continue reading The anniversary emotional rollercoaster
What is Place?
I feel Place in my soul. The power of Place in my writing is almost impossible to explain. Writers combine place with time and events to “show not tell” more than a description: who or what is in this place, why are they there, how do they relate to what is happening in that moment … Continue reading What is Place?
Make way for ducklings!
My solo early morning kayaking ventures gives me space to breathe, remember and practice gratitude. I began these prior to publishing My Music Man and not long after Dad died (see: My Boat and I). Although I am surprisingly eager to return to work and no longer practice 100% telework, I do know working at … Continue reading Make way for ducklings!
Pedaling between headstones
It's not like I woke up thinking yesterday would be the day to hang out in a cemetery. I did plan to take the day off, overwhelmed by stress related to work these past few weeks. A good day to take a hike, work in the yard, or take a bike ride. I miss commuting … Continue reading Pedaling between headstones
The books that inspire us
Me, Ocean Park, WA, 1972. As I finished the final draft of my memoir, I spent some of my free time reading other memoirs, a genre I had always been drawn to. As I worked through my own story, my grief, purposefully cutting out stories that I liked but that ultimately had little to do … Continue reading The books that inspire us
The J.K. Gill Building renewed
Dear readers, perhaps you have thought I've written enough about J.K. Gill over the past years? Certainly I dedicated parts of several chapters of my memoir to this great-great-grandfather of mine, including a chapter aptly titled Books. If you are new to these ramblings, though, you might first catch up with this 2019 blog, J.K. … Continue reading The J.K. Gill Building renewed
A circle is forever
Expensive jewelry has not been a big thing in my family. Our few sentimental pieces lack significant financial value. When my paternal grandmother (Who Who) died, as her youngest granddaughter and namesake, I inherited her jewelry box as determined by my older female cousins. Then at 21, living life simply and more interested in mountains … Continue reading A circle is forever
Irish Tenors and all that jazz
I wasn't planning to write today, instead working fewer hours to make time to contemplate, read, be in nature. Until I realized it is St. Patrick's Day! Gone, at least for now, are the days when I would make our kids a simple breakfast of green milk on cereal or pancakes, the table dotted with … Continue reading Irish Tenors and all that jazz
127 nights to treasure forever
For 127 days I greeted Mom in the morning, sang Barges at night and recited the Lord’s Prayer. She lay in her hospital bed, dining room table pushed to the wall, chandelier cabled close to the ceiling. Most nights she joined me in phrases as we sang about barges flickering lights, resurrecting distant memories for … Continue reading 127 nights to treasure forever
